THE HAGUE, Netherlands—Gerard Brusse, a veteran fashion designer, was highly impressed with the beautiful costumes used in Shen Yun Performing Arts.
“It was so gorgeous. I’ve never seen something like this before,” said Mr. Brusse, who watched Shen Yun’s performance at the Lucent Dance Theatre on Wednesday.
“I’ve seen much regarding my profession; I’m very interested in silk materials…you can see that every material the ladies [female dancers] wear are from pure silk. This is really so beautiful, and also the whole presentation was very well done. Choreography, lighting, everything,” he added.
Mr. Brusse has over 50 years of experience in fashion design. Most recently, during the 2014 Nuclear Security Summit held in The Hague, he presented his Hera Collection 2014, using only natural material as a peaceful reaction to the surge of technologies that can threaten the planet.
Spiritual Theme
Mr. Brusse said he was particularly touched by the spiritual theme of the performance.
“That was something which touched me; respecting and accepting of all people; doing everything in harmony. Again my compliments to the producer, it has a deeper meaning for sure,” he said.
“Sophisticated dance techniques, an orchestra joining instruments from both the East and West, beautiful costumes, and a stunning back drop—this is Shen Yun at first glance,” states the Shen Yun website.
“But digging deeper, one discovers a sea of traditional Chinese culture. Mortals and divine beings merge on stage as one. Principles such as benevolence and justice, propriety and wisdom, respect for the heavens, and divine retribution, all come to life, washing over the audience.”
From the show, Mr. Brusse said he got the message that “if we approach each other in the right way then nothing bad would happen in the world.”
Inspiration
Besides spiritual inspiration, Mr. Brusse also got inspiration for his work.
“It inspired me a lot. I was doing a lot with colors; the colours of the spectre, the nature, which also inspired me. This (Shen Yun) was an enormous push to get even more inspiration. If you are creative many things will appeal to you, especially this,” he said.
“It is done so beautifully that I will tell everyone I will talk to in the coming time: ‘You must see this.’”
5,000 Years of History Onstage
Mr. Brusse said he was intrigued to see 5,000 years of Chinese history and culture presented on stage.
“It’s unique; I am impressed,” he said.
Based in New York, Shen Yun travels the globe each year with a mission to revive China’s divinely inspired culture, which has been suppressed after decades of communist rule in China. The company currently cannot travel to China.
“I found it very regretful [that Shen Yun can’t perform in China] because it’s so beautiful what a country brings and what it gives to the people. I think it’s pity that it is forbidden,” he said.
New York-based Shen Yun Performing Arts has four touring companies that perform simultaneously around the world. For more information, visit Shen Yun Performing Arts.
The Epoch Times considers Shen Yun Performing Arts the significant cultural event of our time. We have proudly covered audience reactions since Shen Yun’s inception in 2006.
